View stars on the Central Park Lawn with AAS Volunteers and their telescopes!
We have stars that glimmer off the lake and that are big and bright through these hot Texas summer nights! Come see them even better with expert and amateur astronomers alike! The Austin Astronomical Society will have multiple telescopes available to visitors.
We are located far enough away from major light sources that we'll be able to see multiple planets, constellations and maybe even the Milky Way (weather permitting).
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OUR PARTY GOERS:
- Day Pass- Free with the Texas State Park Pass, or $6 per adult. Required to enter the park normally. You can purchase these online at our website, or pay at the park using exact cash change.
- Please no lights or cell phones once you enter the viewing area. Each time you look at your cell phone or a blueish light you lose your night vision for up to 40 minutes. This makes it very hard to see the stars even with a telescope!
- If you bring a flashlight, make sure it's a red light or has a red filter on it. Normal lights can mess up your natural night vision and interfere with the telescopes.
- Dogs will NOT be allowed in the viewing area, but are allowed in the parking lot. We are worried about expensive equipment.
- No smoking in the viewing area. Smoking allowed in the parking lot.
- Many of the telescopes are owned and operated by these astronomers, so please don't touch the equipment unless it's OK with them. Walk on up to any of the scopes and ask what they're looking at! They'll all be happy to share.
- This event is weather permitting. If it's just cloudy we'll still be out there, but rain will force us to cancel the event. Look for updates on our Facebook page.
- Do you want to bring your own stargazing equipment? You are welcome to! However you must have the same email confirmation and day pass as other attendees to enter the Star Party area. If you want to volunteer your equipment just as the other astronomers are, please contact Monica.Stewart@tpwd.texas.gov to apply as a volunteer.
- Camping with us that night? If you already have reservations to camp overnight, you won’t need either the ticket or day pass! Just present your camping permit to the event staff to get free entry!
